HAWTHORN appears set to have a second crack at Fremantle defender David Mundy in next month's trading period to top up its defensive ranks.

The Sunday Age understands the Hawks have held at least one meeting with Mundy's management in the past fortnight and are expected to up the ante for his services at season's end.

Mundy's manager, Anthony McConville, said this week that the player looks set to return to his home state — and is expected to join outgoing teammate Robert Warnock on the Dockers' departures list.

"David is considering his future with the Fremantle footy club and weighing (things) up. Whether he wants to be a part of the club next season or not is up to him," McConville said.

"He's been in contact with the Fremantle footy club and he will come to me with a decision next week.

"I hope that he stays with Fremantle, but at the moment it is up in the air."

The Hawks, in a preliminary final next weekend, have refused to comment about any possible trades until the end of their finals campaign.

It is understood they will think about off-loading injury-prone tall forward Tim Boyle to the Dockers in exchange for Mundy. Boyle has struggled to win a spot in the Hawks' potent forward line with just six games this season.

The Dockers will want a first-round draft pick or a young, up-and-coming player in exchange for Mundy.

Hawthorn first showed interest for Mundy in last year's trading period, but couldn't match the Dockers' asking price of a first-round pick.

The Hawks' weakest link is arguably their defence, and the club has made it known it is searching for a key defender to help out Trent Croad. The 23-year-old Mundy has also attracted interest from other Victorian clubs including Richmond, which wants to lure established young talent to the club.

Originally from Seymour, Mundy was drafted by Fremantle with pick 19 in 2003. He has played 86 games, including all 22 matches this season.